The Mountain Goat

Trainor’s latest has something for everyone: adventure, intrigue, romance, and an engrossing prose style. Ryan Browning is a 34-year-old physicist with a hippie vibe and a camper van. After being fired from his research job, Ryan decides to try some spontaneity: he’ll empty his bank accounts, take a wandering road trip, and—why not?—ask the gorgeous banker who closed his accounts if she’d like to come along. Surprisingly, 32-year-old Amanda Seward is receptive to the intriguing stranger’s invitation; moments before receiving it, she has just been downsized rather than receiving the promotion she expected. The two set off from Manhattan Beach, Calif., and make their way to Glacier National Park in Montana, encountering marvelously described sights along the way such as the Grand Canyon. However, dark forces circle the duo, including Ryan’s threatening ex-employer, who’s unhappy with his attempt to present some of his scientific findings. Trainor (Up North) skillfully captures the magic of starting over in this memorable road trip novel. (BookLife)